Textile clamp



Patented Feb. 7, I899.

No. 619,03l.

C. L. WEICHELT.

TEXTILE CLAMP.

(Application filed Feb. 21, 1898.)

(No Model.)

WITNESSES:

. A'ITONEYS THE mamas PETERS co., PNQTO-L|T|40 WASHINGTON ac.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES L. lVEIOI-IELT, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

TEXTILE CLAM P.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 619,031, dated February '7, 1899.

' Application filed February 21 1898- Serial No. 671,015. (No model.)

hold the fabric while being properly shaped or stretched, the novel feature of the same being pointed out in the claim that follows the specification.

Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a clamp in a closed position embodying my invention, the same being also shown in dotted lines in open position. Fig. 2 represents a top or plan view thereof. Fig. 3 represents a front view thereof.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the figures.

Referring to the drawings, A designates a traveler or link which is mounted upon or forms a part of an endless belt, as is usual in clamps of this class. Secured to said traveler on the side adjacent to the fabric to be stretched is the arm B, whose end carries the bed or table 0, on whose lower side are the ears D, on which is mounted the lower limb of the swinging frame E, whose upper limb has pivoted thereon the swinging plate F, which is provided with the handle or lever G for operative purposes, it being noticed that the plate is so mounted or of such length that its forward motion is limited by contact of its lower edge with the table 0, near the outer end of the latter, so that the tendency of said plate is to tighten against said table, especially so when drawn outward by the action of the fabric held on said table and engaged by said edge.

The stationary arm B is depressed downwardly, forming {an elbow, as at H, so that when the plate F is removed from the table it may enter said depression H and allow said plate, and consequently the arm B, to descend to a greater extent than if said arm B remained parallel throughout its length with said table, and said plate F is set back completely from said table 0, leaving the latter entirely unoccupied, as shown by the dotted lines, Fig. 1, this action being assisted by having the pivots or axis of the frame E which carries said plate beneath the table, at or near the outer end thereof, whereby the upper limb of said frame may be placed in a position to a considerable extent rearward of said table, as also illustrated by the dotted lines, Fig. 1.

It will be seen that when the fabricis placed on the table, which constitutes a stationary jaw, and the frame E raised to its full extent the plate F, which constitutes a movable jaw, then drops over the fabric and tightens thereagainst, and the lateral or outward strain of the fabric will cause said plate to hold the latter in a tight and immovable manner.

When the plate is raised, which it will be in rearward direction, the fabric is released of the clamping action of the same, and the frame E will then drop with said plate to the position shown in dotted lines, Fig. 1, thus entirely removing the plate from the fabric,

-it being seen that the table or stationary jaw O is entirely cleared or uncovered as the jaw F, the lever-G, and the frame E are thrown rearward of said table or jaw, and said frame E, owing to its axial connection, as stated, has a long leverage in its descent, so that it immediately sinks and seats the jaw Fin the depression H, while when the frame is raised the jaw F is quickly placed in operative position over the jaw or table 0.

The machine to which the clamp is applied may be so organized as to have a movable member engage the lever or handle G, and thus raise the plate F and place it in a position for clamping the fabric to be stretched and afterward cause the operation of said plate to release the fabric.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

In a clamp of the character stated, an arm, a stationary jaw on said arm, a pivotal frame mounted on said jaw, a movable jaw having its bearing on said frame, and a lever on said movable jaw, said arm having a depression rearward of the stationary j aw, and said frame having one of its limbs above the stationary jaw and another limb below the same, the axis of said frame being on the under side of'the stationary jaw at the forward end thereof.

CHARLES L. WEIOHELT. Witnesses:

JOHN A. WIEDERSHEIM, ARTHUR J ONES. 

